LSO Open Air: London Symphony Orchestra play in Trafalgar Square

Despite pro-Ukraine protesters interrupting the concert, thousands flocked to London's Trafalgar Square to enjoy an afternoon of free classical music, played by the London Symphony Orchestra on 11 May 2014.

1. LSO Open Air: London Symphony Orchestra play in Trafalgar Square

As thousands of music lovers flocked to Trafalgar Square for their annual open air concert on Trafalgar Square, pro-Ukrainian protesters and representatives from the Peter Tatchell Foundation, made a stand against conductor Valery Gergiev who has links with Russian president Vladimir Putin.
2. LSO Open Air: London Symphony Orchestra play in Trafalgar Square

Gergiev is one of 500 signatories on a a statement on the Russian Ministry of Culture's website backing Putin's policies in Ukraine. Photo: Twitter/@greyobjective
3. LSO Open Air: London Symphony Orchestra play in Trafalgar Square

As the protesters shouted 'Shame on you!', Gergiev raised the baton and the concert started without a hitch, as the orchestra performed music by Prokofiev. Photo: Twitter/@euromaidanpr
4. LSO Open Air: London Symphony Orchestra play in Trafalgar Square

The band played on as pro-Ukraine protesters make a stand by the stage. Photo: Twitter/@gsilbert
5. LSO Open Air: London Symphony Orchestra play in Trafalgar Square

The protesters were ejected following their vocal opposition as the orchestra started playing. Photo: Twitter/@meandvan
6. LSO Open Air: London Symphony Orchestra play in Trafalgar Square

Gergiev shared the concert with conductor Timothy Redmond, following a fall. Photo: Twitter/@LondonSymphony
7. LSO Open Air: London Symphony Orchestra play in Trafalgar Square

Following the ejection of the protesters, the enormous crowd were treated to music including Prokofiev's Symphony No. 1, extracts from Lieutenant Kijé and the suite from Romeo and Juliet. Photo: Twitter/@dpjackson1
8. LSO Open Air: London Symphony Orchestra play in Trafalgar Square

Principal Bassoon player Dan Jemison tweeted a view from the stage as the orchestra look out at Trafalgar Square. Photo: Twitter/@danjemison
9. LSO Open Air: London Symphony Orchestra play in Trafalgar Square

It's not just the musicians from the main orchestra who took part in the concert: young performers including conservatoire students and LSO On Track young musicians from LSO Discovery played on stage during the afternoon. Photo: Twitter/@haveringmusic
10. LSO Open Air: London Symphony Orchestra play in Trafalgar Square

It may have rained, but nothing dampened the spirits of these young violinists who simply don a rain mac and carry on playing! Photo: Twitter/@haveringmusic
11. LSO Open Air: London Symphony Orchestra play in Trafalgar Square

Percussionist David Jackson snapped a quick picture from the stage in front of the huge crowd. Photo: Twitter/@dpjackson1
12. LSO Open Air: London Symphony Orchestra play in Trafalgar Square

Union flags flew on Trafalgar Square as the London Symphony Orchestra perform, with huge speakers to amplify the orchestral sound across the centre of the city. Photo: Twitter/@amansharma_nd
13. LSO Open Air: London Symphony Orchestra play in Trafalgar Square

As well as giant screens and amplification, the orchestra provided rain ponchos for the guests to ensure nothing impeded their enjoyment of the concert. Photo: Twitter/@dancementia
14. LSO Open Air: London Symphony Orchestra play in Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square was at full capacity as audience members came from London and beyond to enjoy an afternoon of world-class music - and all for free! Photo: Twitter/@LondonSymphony
15. LSO Open Air: London Symphony Orchestra play in Trafalgar Square

The church of St Martin in the Fields and the National Portrait Gallery provided a perfect backdrop for an outdoor classical concert. Photo: Twitter/@LondonSymphony
16. LSO Open Air: London Symphony Orchestra play in Trafalgar Square

The screen said it all as the stage was taken down after a successful afternoon of music-making: see you next year! Twitter/@LondonSymphony